Abstract: A shift actuator for a transmission, which actuates, in a direction of shift, a shift lever of the transmission. The shift actuator comprises an operation rod that engages with an operation member linked to the shift lever, a magnetic moving means disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the operation rod, a cylindrical fixed yoke surrounding the magnetic moving means, and a pair of coils arranged on the inside of the fixed yoke neighboring in the axial direction.

Abstract: A shift actuator for a transmission, which actuates, in a direction of shift, a shift lever for operating a synchronizing device of the transmission, the shift actuator comprising a first electromagnetic solenoid and a second electromagnetic solenoid for actuating an operation member coupled to the shift lever in the directions opposite to each other. Each of the first electromagnetic solenoid and the second electromagnetic solenoid comprises a casing, a fixed iron core disposed in the casing, a moving iron core arranged to be allowed to approach, and separate away from, the fixed iron core, an operation rod mounted on the moving iron core to engage with the operation member, and an electromagnetic coil arranged between the casing and the fixed iron core as well as the moving iron core.

Abstract: A shift operating device for a bicycle is provided to change gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled to the front or rear derailleur via a shift cable. The shift operating device is also coupled to a gear indicator device via an indicator cable. The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operating portion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal system has a first pedal pivotally attached to the translatable nut of a first jack screw actuator for adjusting the fore and aft position of the first pedal and a second pedal pivotally attached to the translatable nut of a second jack screw actuator for adjusting the fore and aft position of the second pedal. An electric motor is drivingly connected to the first jack screw actuator and the second jack screw actuator to drive the translatable nuts fore and aft. The fore and aft alignment of the first pedal with respect to the second pedal is maintained by a switch assembly that is mechanically connected to the translatable nuts of the two jack screw actuators.

Abstract: A steering wheel incorporates a hard portion bonded to the overall circumference in the cross-sectional circumferential direction of a ring portion and a soft portion molded to cover the core metal of the ring portion and softer than the hard portion, the hard portion and the soft portion being disposed in the planar circumferential direction of the ring portion. An extended portion extending from the soft portion is disposed on the surface of the core metal of the ring portion at a position on the inside of the hard portion. The steering wheel enables the hard portion and the soft portion to be formed around the core metal of the ring portion by collective injection molding. The core metal of the ring portion has an inverted U-shape cross sectional shape and made of die-cast metal formed by die-casting.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly includes a rocker arm body having opposing side walls which are connected by a bottom wall having separate first and second portions. The first portion is configured to engage a push rod and the second portion is configured to engage a valve stem. The side walls and the first and second portions of the bottom wall cooperate to form an aperture having first and second edges. A bridge is configured for snap-fit cooperation with the first and second edges, respectively. The bridge includes upstanding lips which cooperate with the opposing side walls to form first and second oil-transporting channels for transporting oil from the first portion of the bottom wall to the second portion for lubricating the rocker arm body at the point of engagement with the valve stem as the rocker arm body rocks back and forth.

Abstract: A cam with a bore that has a funnel-shaped core-insertion section. To ensure that the cam will rest more securely against the core and remain more precisely centered, the section (5) comprises at least two mutually aligned conical extents (6 & 7), each expanding outward at a different apical angle.

Abstract: A bottom bracket assembly for a bicycle is comprised of a spindle and at least two cartridge bearings. The inner races of the cartridge bearings are axially fixed on the spindle by abutting stop elements. Crank arms attached to the ends of the spindle axially abut the outer stop elements, thus ensuring the precise and consistent axial location of the crank arms. Since the inner bearing races are fixed axially, the outer race of at least one cartridge bearing may be allowed to float in an axial direction to ensure proper alignment of the inner and outer races and the greatest possible bearing life for the bottom bracket.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for forming sintered, molded articles having improved dimensional stability. More particularly, this invention pertains to process for forming heat sinks. This process includes forming a substantially uniform copper composition comprising a polysaccharide binder, water, and copper particles; molding the copper composition under conditions sufficient to form a solid molded intermediate; and sintering the solid molded intermediate at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to form a heat sink.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved charging stock for use in further metallurgical processes including the steps of providing a source of molten metal of known composition, providing a source of solid particulate material of a known composition which is compatible with the molten metal, combining the molten metal source with the solid particulate material source to produce a combined stream and forming the combined stream into a plurality of uniformly sized metal billets for use in further metallurgical processes.

Abstract: A surface-micromachined rotatable member formed on a substrate and a method for manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The surface-micromachined rotatable member, which can be a gear or a rotary stage, has a central hub, and an annulus connected to the central hub by an overarching bridge. The hub includes a stationary axle support attached to the substrate and surrounding an axle. The axle is retained within the axle support with an air-gap spacing therebetween of generally 0.3 &mgr;m or less. The rotatable member can be formed by alternately depositing and patterning layers of a semiconductor (e.g. polysilicon or a silicon-germanium alloy) and a sacrificial material and then removing the sacrificial material, at least in part. The present invention has applications for forming micromechanical or microelectromechanical devices requiring lower actuation forces, and providing improved reliability.

Abstract: One important fact that I do not want to leave out of my summary is that when my Self-Ejecting Chuck Wrench Attachment is used; it is just added to an existing, old fashioned Chuck Wrench that belongs to the customer! In that respect, it takes a very dangerous and potentially “KILLER” tool and immediately turns it into a safe and harmless and utilitarian piece of machinery that never again can do any harm!

Abstract: A nut driver is provided in which a torque is delivered to a fastener while a bolt is rotationally maintained in a fixed position thereby tightening the fastener onto the bolt. The nut driver also removably attaches to pulse gun and includes a planetary gear arrangement. The nut driver is interchangeable with a variety of pulse guns. Although, conventional devices provide a torque to rotationally couple a nut to a bolt, the feature of interchangeability which allows utilization of different pulse guns is not available. The ability to interchange pulse guns allows the nut driver to easily be used with a variety of drive devices or pulse guns. Furthermore, the nut driver converts the variety of pulse guns into useful driving tools for fastening nut and bolts or other fastener pairs together.

Abstract: A plum blossom-shaped ratchet wrench structure. A one-way ratchet is disposed in a head section of the grip of the ratchet wrench. A distance exists between a central point of the head section and a central line of the grip, whereby the head section has a protruding section laterally deflecting and protruding from one of the grip for a user to easily identify the driving direction of the one-way ratchet. A widened connecting section is formed between the protruding section and the lateral side of the grip. A receptacle is formed in the connecting section, in which a ratchet block is disposed. The receptacle has an opening having a length smaller than a length of the ratchet block, while being larger than a height of the ratchet block. When the ratchet block is installed into the receptacle, the ratchet block is stopped by the wall of the receptacle.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench body having a drive head defining a first receiving space, a second receiving space, and a third receiving space. A ratchet wheel is rotatably mounted in the first receiving space and is provided with first teeth. A pawl member is movably mounted in the second receiving space and is provided with second teeth detachably meshing with the first teeth of the ratchet wheel. A control member includes a rotation cylinder rotatably mounted in the third receiving space, a linking lever secured on a first end of the rotation cylinder and pivotally mounted on the pawl member for moving the pawl member to engage with or detach from the ratchet wheel, and a drive handle secured on a second end of the rotation cylinder for driving the rotation cylinder to rotate.

Abstract: An adapter for a portable hand drill which facilitates the quick and easy installation of elbow insert fittings into flexible hoses of a sprinkler or irrigation system. The adapter can be easily inserted and locked into the portable hand drill, and then the head section of the adapter is formed with the shape of an elbow insert fitting, where the trigger mechanism of the hand drill is depressed and the torque power of the hand drill rotates the head section of the adapter which in turn causes the elbow insert fitting to rotate about its turning axis to thereby insert into the flexible hose. The adapter can be used with an extension for facilitating and speeding up the installation of straight insert fittings and T-shaped insert fittings. The extension has a hexagonal shaped shaft section and a retaining section. The retaining section is installed within the adapter while the hexagonal shaped shaft section extends outwardly from the adapter.

Abstract: A screwdriver with easily replaceable bits is disclosed. It mainly comprises a body, a sliding element, a controlling element, a handle, and a rotatable bit case. The body includes a storage portion and a straight tube portion. The sliding element is disposed in the straight tube portion and a hook extends from the sliding element. A pair of protrusions is laterally extending from a bottom end of the sliding element. The controlling element is disposed on the straight tube portion. The rotatable bit case has several longitudinal slots for inserting bits. Each bit has a circular recess. So, by simply rotating the bit case, the user can select a desired bit. Also, it can automatically push-up or pullback. Therefore, this invention increases the ease of use and utility of the tool significantly.

Abstract: A bar feeder for feeding a machine tool, particularly for feeding with bars a single-spindle automatic lathe, comprising a horizontal supporting beam for a plurality of free rollers, which lie on a horizontal plane and form a substantially V-shaped channel for the longitudinal support of a bar, said beam being movable vertically parallel to itself, adjustment means being provided for vertically adjusting said beam in order to align said bar with the axis of said lathe.

Abstract: A work transfer apparatus 1 includes a turn table 3 with a plurality of work-storing pockets 2 for storing works W at the outer periphery of the turn table and a base 4 slidably supporting the works W stored in the work-storing pockets 2 of the turn table 3. A probing detector 6 is provided in the base 4, and the probing detector 6 comes in contact with the works W in the work-storing pockets 2. An entire portion of the base 4 which comes in contact with the works W is made of insulant material 5.

Abstract: A rotary knife having a handle having a head section, a blade housing that comprises a split, ring-like member supported by the head section and defining a circumferentially extending groove, an annular blade supported in the blade housing groove for rotation about a central axis. The blade housing comprises a ring-like member having an annularly extending blade supporting groove that opens radially inwardly and in which the blade is rotatably disposed. The groove peripheral wall defines a plurality of blade engaging bearing faces spaced apart throughout the blade housing periphery and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart fat receiving recesses. The blade housing also defines a plurality of fat directing channels each communicating with a fat receiving recess for directing fat from the recess out of the blade housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper toweling includes a rotatable toweling support roller and a cutter blade pivotally mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the roller. The blade is movable between a first position in which the cutting edge of the blade is positioned closely adjacent to the outer peripheral portion and a second position in which the blade is disposed at an angle relative to the outer peripheral portion with the cutting edge of the blade spaced from the toweling support roller. The cutter blade when in the second position projects in a direction generally opposed to the direction of rotation of the toweling support roller so that pulling force exerted on the toweling by a user will bear against the cutting edge of the cutter blade to sever the toweling.

Abstract: A fence assembly for a table saw includes a track for mounting on one edge of the table saw perpendicular to a slot in the table top of the saw and a blade in the slot, a carriage slidable on the track, a fence rotatable on the carriage for defining a straight guide edge at any angle from 0 to 90° with respect to the blade, and a guide plate above the fence with indicia thereon for accurately positioning the fence. A pair of bolts extend upwardly from the carriage through arcuate slots in the fence to the guide plate for slidably supporting the fence. Knobs on the top of the bolts are used to releasably clamp the fence between the guide plate and the carriage.

Abstract: A table saw includes a table disposed on a housing, a plate supported in the housing, a follower rotatably secured to the plate with a pivot axle, a saw blade rotatably secured to the follower with a pole and rotated in concert with the follower relative to the plate. A motor is coupled to the pole, with a pulley-and-belt coupling or the like, for driving the saw blade via the pole. A threaded shaft is engaged with a gear sector of the follower for rotating the follower relative to the plate and for moving the saw blade upward and downward relative to the table.

Abstract: A manual paper cutter comprises a rule, a guide rail disposed on the rule, and a cutting device mounted on the guide rail. The cutting device comprises a housing, a guide seat, and a blade mount. The housing is provided in the interior with a receiving space, a retaining pillar, and a receiving slot. The guide seat is provided with a through slot and a guide slot which is provided with a locating slot corresponding in location to the retaining pillar. The blade mount is disposed in the receiving slot and is provided with a blade opposite in location to the through slot of the guide seat. The retaining pillar is provided with a spring fitted thereover. As the housing is pressed, the blade is actuated to jut out of the through slot of the guide seat.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a cutter with a monoblock blade carrier with securement and release of the blade by pressure, characterized in that said blade carrier (1) is made by molding from a semi-rigid plastic material and comprises two substantially flat shells (1a, 1b) folded facing each other, connected by a thin bridge (2) and defining between them a recess for the reception of a blade (3) open at least on its sides, one of the portions (1a) comprising on its internal surface a projection (10) adapted to penetrate a hole (5) in the blade (3) so as to trap it in said recess (8, 8a) and being, adjacent this latter, deformable by pressure (P) so that, by a lever effect, said projection (10) moves away from the opposite surface of the other shell (1b), thereby permitting the free passage of the blade (3) outside its recess (8, 8a).

Abstract: A sawing machine comprises a machine stand on which a top seat and a bottom seat are connected by connection mechanism enabling the top seat to move up and down in relation to the bottom seat, so as to accommodate a workpiece in an operational space located between the top seat and the bottom seat.

Abstract: A sonic-vibration-generating mechanism of a piano is divided into a two-segment structure made up of the sonic-vibration-generating mechanism of the upstream side A and the sonic-vibration-generating mechanism of the downstream side B, and the sonic-vibration-generating mechanism of the downstream side is placed in a layered state onto the sonic-vibration-generating mechanism of the upstream side, with a plural number of weight-supporting elements of a point-support type or a line-support type allocated in between in rows at certain uniform intervals on the support frame 19 installed in the sonic-vibration-generating mechanism of the upstream side A.

Abstract: A sound attenuating drum head that comprises a support ring, a synthetic membrane carried by the ring, a localized thin coating on the membrane, and acting to attenuate vibration of the head, when struck, that coating confined on a mid-region of the head.

Abstract: A tool for learning positions of notes on a finger board of a stringed-instrument having a base board and templates that focus a student's attention on finger patterns that are necessary to master a stringed-instrument.

Abstract: A visually enhanced teaching text comprises a series of words to be sung, the series of words having a plurality of tropes each having a predetermined tune. The text also includes symbols in the text indicative of the start and end of a trope, with at least some of the tropes being associated with a particular distinctive color so that each trope in the series of words is clearly distinguishable from surrounding tropes therein. The invention is also for a singing teaching method using color coded backgrounds.

Abstract: A chorded musical instrument comprising an electronic signal interface with analog and MIDI signal outputs. In a dual-string configuration, the instrument includes piezoelectric pickups arranged in pairs. The pickups are coupled to inputs of a signal processing device, with each input being coupled to one or more pickups. The signal processing device provides both analog and MIDI signal outputs.

Abstract: A kit for humanitarian demining operations and explosive ordnance disposal comprising a first sealed container holding a pre-measured amount of flammable nitroparaffin, and a second sealed container which can be opened and resealed, and which contains a product for sensitizing nitroparaffin to detonation using an initiation system. The second sealed container has a volume sufficient to contain both the pre-measured amount of flammable nitroparaffin and the product for sensitizing nitroparaffin to detonation. The kit may also contain an initiation system. Also disclosed is a method of using the kit to neutralize land-mines and unexploded ordnance.

Abstract: A unique phasing pattern is provided that maximizes the effective perforation geometry of a wellbore. The improvement overcomes the problems associated with multi-phase guns of the past that failed to account for the fact that the gun rested on the low side of the casing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the phasing is arranged so that there is a zero phase tunnel formed. The zero phase tunnel is located at approximately the location where the gun rests against the low side of the well. Further, tunnels are formed by shape charges at plus and minus forty-five degrees and at plus and minus ninety degrees. This can also be referred to as a penta-phase. In another embodiment of the invention, charges can also be placed to allow for a plus and minus one hundred and thirty-five degrees pattern in addition to the penta-phase pattern described above. This expanded pattern can also be referred to as a hepta-phase pattern.

Abstract: A self-contained missile canister includes a cylindrical shell having a plenum or manifold at the breech end for receiving and deflecting missile exhaust gases. A plurality of tubular exhaust ducts or uptake tubes route exhaust gases from the plenum to locations near the missile exit end of the canister. Protrusions on the missile, such as guide rails or aerodynamic control fins, extend from the missile body at locations lying between the exhaust ducts. The tubular exhaust ducts resist the exhaust pressure in hoop tension, so are lightweight. Ablative material may line the exhaust ducts. The exhaust ducts may be supported by longitudinally disposed support beams, preferably I-beams. In one embodiment, each I-beam supports two exhaust ducts.

Abstract: The closure of a blowback operated weapon is augmented by a gas cylinder and piston. The piston is self centering.

Abstract: A telescoping hydraulic hoist which improves stability and rigidity in the extended position without sacrificing the maximum extension length of the hoist and with fewer machined parts which may be dislodged or damaged in operation. The base member has a recess into which intermediate and inner tube stages recede when the hoist is in a fully collapsed position, and a stop-collar on the gland nut bearings overlaps the exposed end of the next broader tube stage, defining a limit of retraction for each intermediate tube stage, so that a tube stage when fully retracted contacts the exposed end of the next broader tube stage, thus dispensing with the need for stop rings.

Abstract: A pressure-fluid-operated power unit producing a rotating motion for positioning valves or similar actuators into a desired position. The power unit comprises an annular cylinder space and at least two pairs of pistons arranged to move in said cylinder space respect to each other, first pistons of the piston pairs being arranged to rotate around the shaft of the cylinder space and second pistons being immovably arranged with respect to at least one end flange of the cylinder space or to a casing of the cylinder space, and pressure fluid conduits for leading pressure fluid into and out of the spaces between the pistons.

Abstract: The invention proposes a hydraulic device of the kind including a cylinder in which a piston is mounted for sliding in leaktight fashion in the body of the cylinder so as to delimit at least one hydraulic chamber intended to be linked to a hydraulic circuit, and is linked to the front extremity of an actuating rod which projects axially rearwardly outside the cylinder body and on which an actuating force can be applied in order to cause forward displacement of the piston counter to a return force applied to the piston. The device includes a temporary end stop which limits the forward displacement of the piston and which intervenes until the piston is first actuated by means of the actuating rod. The invention is applicable to a hydraulic cylinder for the control of motor-vehicle equipment.

Abstract: Methods are described, with which by expansion of metal foam it is possible in particular to manufacture pistons for brakes. This enables pistons of a very low wall thickness and high strength.

Abstract: A closed cavity piston of this invention includes an elongated piston body and a separately formed piston cap having an elongated stem and head thereon. The body includes a closed end and an open end with a cavity having a bottom wall adjacent the closed end and an outer wall terminating in a rim at the open end. The stem of the piston cap is friction inertia welded to the bottom wall of the piston body and the head of the piston cap welds to the rim of the piston body. The stem of the cap is inserted into the cavity of the body until it engages the bottom wall. Then the cap is friction inertia welded to the body at the stem/bottom wall and head/rim interfaces after preheating.

Abstract: A process is provided for the transport and storage of hydrogen by reversible sorption and containment within carbon-metal hybrid materials. The process comprises contacting a carbon-metal hybrid composition with a hydrogen-containing gas at conditions of temperature and pressure whereby the carbon-metal hybrid composition sorbs the hydrogen gas. The hydrogen that is sorbed in the carbon-metal composition is subsequently released by lowering the H2 pressure and/or increasing the temperature to levels which cause desorption of the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds and carbon monoxide in reactive fluids such as ammonia, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, and chlorine are reduced to sub-ppb levels using gas purifying systems that contain a preconditioned ultra-low emission (P-ULE) carbon. P-ULE is capable of removing impurities from a reactive fluid down to parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels without concurrently emitting other impurities such as moisture or carbon dioxide into the purified reactive fluid. The P-ULE carbon is prepared by heating a carbon material to temperatures from 300° to about 800° C. in an ultra-dry, inert gas stream, to produce an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material, subjecting the ULE carbon to a second activation process under a reactive gas atmosphere to produce a P-ULE carbon and storing the P-ULE carbon in an environment that minimizes contamination of the P-ULE prior to its use in a gas purifier system.

Abstract: A centripetal demister system and method for the removal of moisture from a moisture laden gas stream using both centrifugal and centripetal force to shear the moisture from a inlet gas, the centripetal force also directing the inlet gas radially inward for collecting the demisted gas. The present invention is particular useful for removal of environmentally harmful particulates contained within the moisture laden gas stream, the particulates and moisture being force against the interior of the housing by centrifugal force while the demisted gas is drawn radially inward by centripetal force.

Abstract: A filter material having a supporting structure which supports and absorption filter layer, which in turn contains an additive having a biocidal effect.

Abstract: A steam pressure reducing and conditioning valve for passing a superheated steam S inflowing from a first port 1 through a pressure reducing section 2, and, supplying subcooled water mist W and discharging desuperheated and depressurized steam S2 from a second port 3, wherein a first nozzle 4 for supplying mist W is provided in proximity to said pressure reducing section 2. Said nozzle 4 injects subcooled water mist in a planar pattern r perpendicular to the flow of depressurized steam S1. Said first nozzle 4 is disposed such that there is a predetermined distance L between the jet pattern r of moisture W injected from the nozzle and said pressure reducing section 2.

Abstract: In order to improve the degree of separation on the one hand and to obtain a vacuum cleaner of extremely simple construction on the other in the case of a vacuum cleaner having a housing, a suction unit arranged therein and a suction pipe which enters the housing and is connected to the suction side of the suction unit via a dirt collecting container and a separating device, it is proposed that the closed dirt collecting container should be adapted to be inserted into the housing and, when in the inserted position, be connected to the suction pipe in sealed manner via an intake opening and be connected to the suction side of the suction unit in sealed manner via an extraction opening, that the dirt collecting container should be partially filled with a fluid into which there enters a feed pipe that extends from the intake opening into the fluid, and that deflector surfaces should be arranged above the fluid-filling, said surfaces forming a multiply-deflected flow path between the upper surface of the fluid an

Abstract: An automatic coffee beverage machine, in particular an automatic espresso machine, suitable for selecting a coffee beverage from a plurality of preparation varieties. A plurality of switching contact groups is provided for this, of which respectively one is assigned to a preparation variety and respectively only one can be activated for selecting one of the preparation varieties while the other switching contact groups are blocked. The preparation of the variety selected with one of the switching contacts can subsequently be triggered with a starting contact. To simplify the operation and make the selection clearer, the switching contact groups are designed to form components of a lockable rotary selection switch provided with a turning knob (4). This rotary selection switch is assigned a preparation variety in each lockable rotary position and activates one of the contact groups in each lockable rotary position.

Abstract: A food preparation system comprising a container having a prescribed quantity of foodstuff. The container includes an interior chamber expandable by the addition of a liquid. The food preparation system further comprises a vessel sized and configured to receive the container and a prescribed volume of liquid. A pump is in fluid communication with the liquid and the container. The pump is operative to transfer the liquid from the vessel into the container such that as the foodstuff is mixed with the liquid, the interior of the container will expand into the vessel.

Abstract: A Microwave Cooking Tray and Sleeve Assembly comprises a tray for holding food to be cooked, a transparent heat seal covering the tray, and a sleeve designed to hold the tray. In order to cook the food in the tray, the assembly is placed in a microwave oven. During cooking, side vents on the tray channel steam out of the tray. Holes in the sleeve allow the steam to easily escape the box after passing through the vents in the tray. After a short period of cooking in the microwave oven, the tray is removed from the sleeve, the heat seal is removed from the tray, and the food in the tray is ready to eat.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft comprises a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and having a number of strip-shaped transverse knives and longitudinal knives, the longitudinal knives each having an inner end situated near the shaft and an outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, while at least a number of longitudinal knives of at least one of the cutting frames are provided, at the outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, with a knife end section which has at least one portion extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal knives.